Will Acuff on spirit-led self awareness.

Sanctification is returning to your true self as God’s Beloved.

Hey friends, Raleigh here. We all know that we want to change things about ourselves. Maybe we want to shed a few pounds, or learn a new language. You are probably making your resolutions right now. For this New Year’s Eve, I had the honor of sitting down with Will Acuff, author of the new book, No Elevator to Everest: Shift from Survive to Thrive through Spirit-led Self Awareness, for an important conversation about becoming self-aware. Will opened up about his profound journey of self-discovery—one marked by deep connection, honest reflection, and a powerful return to his roots.

We talked about what it means to truly meet yourself, even in the hardest places; when life cracks you open. Will described what it was like to touch the unconditional love of God—a moment so utterly transformative that it reshaped how he viewed himself and the world around him. It wasn’t just a mountaintop experience; he knew he was coming home to a hard context. Yet, in that vulnerability, he found the strength to return to himself.

This episode is about the power of connection, the necessity of returning to our roots, and the way unconditional love can pivot our entire lives. Will’s journey is deeply personal, but I think you’ll find something of yourself in his story.

Here’s what we explore in this episode:

• Why is connection key to self-discovery?
• How can unconditional love become a turning point?
• The importance of returning to your roots, especially when life gets tough

Takeaways

• Joy is Available Now, Even in Pain
• The Christian journey isn’t just about enduring suffering until we reach heaven; Jesus offers us life “to the full” right now. Even in the midst of sorrow and hardship, transcendent joy is possible and can carry us through.
• You Can’t Fix Everything—Including Yourself and Others
• Many of us are “fixers,” trying to solve every problem, especially for those we love. But real healing comes not from control or constant problem-solving, but from presence, love, and acceptance—especially when facing challenges that can’t be fixed.
• True Growth Comes from Self-Compassion and Curiosity, Not Critique
• Self-awareness and healing begin when we sit with our pain and emotions in compassion and curiosity, rather than self-criticism. Asking “why am I feeling this?” and allowing ourselves to be present breaks cycles of fear, anger, and shame.
• Alignment with God Means Being Present and Attuned
• Spiritual formation is not just about knowing God, but also knowing ourselves. Being “in tune” with God and our true selves requires daily practices of listening, noticing, and being present—in nature, in silence, and in our emotions.
• We Are Loved as We Are—Not as We ‘Should Be’
• We are not “dung heaps” barely tolerated by God; we are beloved image bearers. The story of the prodigal son shows that God’s love is unconditional, scandalous, and welcoming, no matter our shame or striving. Living in this love frees us to experience joy, self-acceptance, and deeper community.
• Sanctification isn’t about becoming someone else or earning God’s approval. it’s the process of shedding shame, brokenness, and false identities to return to your original, God-given self. Through Christ, we’re restored to who we were created to be—fully human, fully loved, and free to live out of that identity.

Thanks for joining me on MercyCast this New Year’s Eve. Let’s keep returning—to ourselves, to each other, and to the love that makes us whole.

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Email us at [email protected]. For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

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